Dr. Susan Zito, DO

Dr. Susan Zito, DO is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her Largo, FL clinic, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to helping individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions, by expertly diagnosing and managing these conditions through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life.

Dr. Susan Zito, DO is a rheumatologist in Largo, FL, with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. She is currently accepting new patients who are ready to embark on a proactive health journey. Dr. Zito completed rigorous medical training, culminating in an internship at Sun Coast Hospital (2003). She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Zito provides consultations primarily in English and welcomes you to schedule an appointment by calling (727) 223-9610.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Susan Zito is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Susan Zito can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Susan Zito provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: Ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis (AVH) is a condition where bone spurs form along your spine, and catching it early with regular checkups can help prevent stiffness and disability.
• Granulomatosis: Understanding your risk factors for granulomatosis and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms arise can significantly reduce the severity of this condition.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Regular checkups and prompt treatment of elbow arthritis are key to minimizing joint damage and preserving the function of your elbow joint, improving your overall well-being.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Having seropositive rheumatoid arthritis signifies your immune system is attacking your joints; proactive management with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and protect your mobility.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Managing systemic vasculitis effectively involves regular monitoring and timely treatment to prevent further inflammation, protect your organs, and maintain your overall well-being.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Protecting your hand and wrist joints from further damage due to osteoarthritis requires understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage the condition effectively through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively involves understanding the disease, adopting preventive strategies, and seeking timely medical attention—WePrevent provides the information you need to achieve this.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting your ankles and feet needs careful monitoring and management. Taking steps to control inflammation can preserve joint health and improve your quality of life.
• Gout: Understanding your risk factors for gout, such as diet and family history, allows for preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Managing chondrocalcinosis through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can significantly reduce the risk of developing debilitating arthritis and maintain your mobility.
• Scleroderma: Recognizing the symptoms of scleroderma early can significantly reduce long-term health problems, as prompt treatment helps control inflammation and protect your organs.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Susan Zito offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: Protecting your bones from age-related decline, a bone density scan is a vital screening tool for identifying early signs of osteoporosis and facilitating timely treatment.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• Injection of Tendon: This injection targets specific tendon issues, providing pain relief and potentially preventing the need for more invasive treatments.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage helps relieve pressure and inflammation, allowing for a more comfortable life and potentially preventing long-term joint damage.
• Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing your joint pain and swelling, allowing for early and effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Early intervention with soft tissue injections can help diagnose the cause of your joint pain and reduce inflammation before it leads to lasting damage.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Trigger Point Injection: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To protect your joints from further damage and maintain their health, viscosupplementation using hyaluronate injections can replenish the natural cushioning, easing pain and stiffness.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Susan Zito is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By adhering to a proactive screening plan, a patient was able to identify early signs of Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis, reducing the risk of future pain and stiffness, and fostering peace of mind.
• By understanding potential risk factors and adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient was able to effectively manage their condition and maintain a positive outlook for the future. Early detection and consistent monitoring significantly reduced the likelihood of severe complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Susan Zito:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They are your long-term partners in managing chronic conditions, preventing joint damage, and improving your overall quality of life.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Zito will accurately diagnose the cause of your joint pain to ensure the correct treatment plan.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like dental problems and eye damage.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for osteoporosis screening, helping us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

Arthrocentesis is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief and allows lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is crucial for preventing future problems.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not a diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider your complete medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine if you have an autoimmune condition. This approach helps avoid unnecessary anxiety and ensures an accurate diagnosis.

13425 Belcher Rd S
Largo FL 33771
Phone: (727) 223-9610

Dr. Susan Zito, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1407992597

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Rheumatology like Dr. Susan Zito are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.